The poll of more than 2,000 couples found half of female partners say they make the decisions about the garden due to their “better taste in plants”, compared to just over a third of male respondents.

Women also tend to choose garden furniture and 40 per cent claim to have better knowledge of plants and shrubs.

However men say they to do most of the work, with around three quarters claiming they do they digging and mow the lawn. Over two thirds of women admit to sticking to lighter work such as weeding or plotting plants.

“Men say they can’t do colour and that is why women tend to take control. Often it is women who do planting side and men do the grunt stuff,” she said.

However she said men are growing in confidence, especially as award-winning professional gardeners like Andy Sturgeon and Cleve West prove choosing the right flowers can be done by brilliantly by men.

Meanwhile, she said women are doing more of the work as machines become easier.

“Women do more than half of all the work often. Now machines are easier, it is like vacuuming and requires less physical strength.”

Arthritis Research UK is working with award-winning designer Tom Hoblyn to create a garden that they hope will achieve Gold at Chelsea Flower Show this year.

Dr Liam O’Toole, chief executive of Arthritis Research UK, pointed out gardening is good for both sexes for relaxation and to exercise joints.

“It’s great that so many people are able to enjoy the benefits of gardening, which can help keep joints healthy and has also been shown to boost mood. The results of this survey also show that there are still clear roles for men and for women in the garden."

The research comes as gardeners fight back against the hosepipe ban.

In a strongly worded leader in Country Life, the magazine points out that horticulture generates £5bn every year and attracts millions of tourists to Britain.

However much of this income could be in danger because of the hosepipe ban as gardeners in the South East are not allowed to water plants or lawns this year despite the recent rain.

Gardeners are increasingly angry that the ban has been imposed when water companies are making massive profits yet are failing to mend leaks and store or transport water to ensure supplies are consistent over the year.